Like no other
Not your ordinary costume and photography studio..
The Lair is a bespoke costume, makeup and creative portrait studio, for your Alice in Wonderland themed to alternative styling and photography. The focus pocus is on eye candy aesthetics from vintage finds and more.
A place like no other, located in Bowen Mountain, Sydney. Unique and handmade props, refashioned and one-off finds, this gallery enriched space is located in the artist/photographers house. Awaiting all imaginative souls (like Alice, from Alice in Wonderland) who need a costume to wear, that speaks volumes, to your creativity and way. Reclaim your sense of self. It’s an amusement ride of colour, texture and detail. Your transformed experience is photographed, digital and/or printed artworks are the record to this tale.
Alice in Wonderland themed, Victorian to gothic lashings.. please know, various items are ‘tweaked’ within the space, to best cater to those entering the space, ie. lighter or darker. This was always the artist’s intension, ie. faux flowers other props changed to suit, and/or photos changed to black and white.
Minature gothic areas have surfaced, Ana’s miniature butler, now a vampire (thanks to her 5yo daughter advising so) lives in one section. Creativity is literally ‘exploding’ in a good way like wildflowers on a field with exciting projects a happening thing.
Ana also has a large range of dark artworks that can be utilised via Photoshop as background scenes to your portrait, however ad on costs for this option, all dependent on your request.
Bushland surrounds serve as an alternate option to the studio setting, inclusive of digital artistry.
Ana’s approach is to make you feel relaxed and totally at ease. See the video below of Ana and her faux crocodile. The original ‘Alice in Wonderland’ book by Lewis Carroll had a croc in it. This ‘faux’ crocodile has a realistic sounding growl, walk and glowing red eyes. Adorable! Much fun to be had..
See the ‘Packages’‘ page, you have full access to all of the props, headpieces and accessories in the studio space. Items are strung about the place, like cherries on the tree, ripe for picking.
Please note – Date, 1st, July 2022 – Lots of updates to headpieces, costumes and the studio space has taken place. Visit early August for photos to styled outfits/all updates. The Alice in Wonderland styled outfit for Size – Small to Medium is now completed!
Based on your request, Ana helps craft your aesthetic, away from standards and routine. Ana’s mission is to enchant your inner child, teaming up with Pam from Phoenix Hair and Makeup Artistry.
Pure splendour, totally uplifting feeling, after having your makeup professionally applied. Ana is now under Pam’s magical spell to her creative artistry after requesting a doll like Alice look for her creative makeup.
Regardless of age, size, sex, it’s time to frock up!
Bookings by appointment ONLY
Daytime – Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday’s ONLY
Location – Private residence
10 Crag Crescent, Bowen Mountain, NSW 2753
Introduction to the Lair, with Ana as her version of 'Alice'
REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION? VISIT THE BELOW..
30 Reasons to say ‘yessss’ to The Lair
FAQ – After the testimonials
Process page – Outlined in 4 easy steps
Have questions? Schedule a call back!
Schedule in a no obligation 20 minute chat with Ana Miller (Costume and photographer) to ask any questions, to plan your day at the Lair.
30 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE LAIR
- This is no cookie cutter business. Ana combines her passions, inclusive of working both professionally in the costume, design and photography fields to make the experience unique.
- Alice in Wonderland themed settings, with beautiful and bizarre props to go.
- Ana helps you bring out your inner child, evoke playfulness, it’s time to break away from the norm, every day.
- Think ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ but with accessories and props. Like cherries on a tree, all is ripe for picking.
- Ana doesn’t discriminate, open to anyone who wants to frock up! It’s all expressing your creativity. Flowering your way.
- Gorgeous enchanted tree props that light up are truly wonderful to see and be photographed next to..
- Bespoke headpieces and accessories to chose from, falling into the ‘whimsical’, ‘gorgeous’, ‘dark’ to ‘out there’ categories
- Sip your complimentary smoothie, glass of wine on the goddess chair.
- Most of the costumes have been made from vintage wares, antique wedding dresses and all sorts, therefore a unique stamp is across the board.
- The back end of the house has a gorgeous bushland view, surrounded by trees
- Ana has professional photo retouching experience working at various high-end companies, see examples at the studio.
- Ana takes the time to ask questions, find out what you envision from your (costume and) photo session, we work together as a team.
- Have a small quirky video done (taken via an I-phone) in the moment! Ana is also open to your fun ideas. See Ana’s story (with more to come) on IG.
- There is a large-scale dolls house, surreal in nature, with miniature chandelier’s that work. Cut up vintage Barbie dolls throughout. It took Ana over 10 years to complete. A must see!
- Several unique mirrors, especially the oversized gold mirrored frame make wonderful props for photography.
- Props and accessories are suggested, or at hand to enhance your experience, also used as a fun distraction especially if nerves are at play.
- The accessories across the board are one off’s and meticulously made, not for mass use.
- Ana goes out of her way to ensure you are comfortable getting your photo taken, and knows personally from past experience, hence doing a modelling course when younger to help her over this!
- A ‘Underground’ coffee is made for you once here or specialty tea, or a cheeky complimentary wine on request (if later in the day/if you are of legal age!)
- There are so many background sections within the space of the Lair. Please know, you will be lost in the detail of the room, your inner child will most definitely come out to play.
- Photography in the back an front garden (depending on your preferred theme) is now available as well as studio pics (based on the time frame).
- Location shoots are an option, see Pam’s photos at The Junk Yard in Londonderry, re gothic vibe.
- Ana is a detail freak, with a love for the ornate.
- Creative photography is explored from all angles off and on a tripod. Whatever it takes for you to look your best within the frame.o
- The photo/artwork prints are of professional fine art quality. See any examples at the studio.
- Full experience catering (add on’s) are available to delight all of your senses, see the ‘Packages‘ page for thes decadent treats.
- Tell your story, your way. Add graphics, to photos, there are unlimited possibilities, all dependant on your budget.
- Photos can be taken to new heights with digital artistry, as well as cutting out your photo (deep etching) in Photoshop and placing it into an existing artwork from a selection of existing examples.
- The drive here is truly beautiful, and surrounding areas like Bilpin and Kurrajong. See the list of things to do to fully complete your stay.
- The Lair is a new kid on the block, in terms of costuming and photography, however not in experience. In collaboration with Ana’s hair and makeup go to, Pam, your in for one hell of a grand makeover! That’s Ana’s promise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
WHY IS THE LAIR - NOT TO BE COMPARED TO OTHER STUDIO PLACES ABOUT TOWN, RE PRICING?
- Pricing is unlike other photographers, as typically they would ask you to turn up with outfits for your shoot.
- The Lair, is a quirky wonderland gallery experience, rich in detail.
- The main two packages are with full costume styling (ex footwear and stockings if applicable)
- Creative makeup and hair included (All packages ex ‘Come as you dare’)
- Access to all the props, headpieces and accessories whilst at the studio during your shoot. – See the updated range mid May, 2022.
- It has taken the artist/photographer years to work on the studio space and over 10 years to complete the dolls house ‘like no other’. It has cut up vintage Barbie dolls and miniature chandeliers that work within.
Please note – If your having your hair (or wig) and makeup professionally applied, you will be at The Lair for 3-4 hours.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PRICING RELATED TO COSTUME & STYLING?
Costumes are one off’s, meticulously made and not for mass use. Full styling ex footwear and stockings, headpieces and accessories are matched or with contrast to your attire. A look to ensure you shine or pop in the photo.
The time for costuming and getting your hair/makeup is on top of the photography session time. Therefore with the ‘Ultra Day Out’ package, your time here is roughly 3-4 hours.
All the costumes all have to be cleaned, steamed as well as other bits and pieces within the space with much care.
CAN I BOOK A TWO PERSON SHOOT? WHAT OPTIONS?
Two bookings can be made, however you are photographed separately. The changes related to the packages are for one person only, therefore 2 x $249.00 for the deposit. This is a creative portrait photoshoot mainly associated with a costume focus.
Down the track an option will open that is catering to children.
ANY CATERING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
A few treats are in store, The Lair now offers delicious bite size protein balls and a smoothie with any bookings. Small bite sized food and a lovely drink through a straw, is the best way to ensure your makeup stays in place, keep you energised and your tastebuds happy! Ana is currently testing which ones are the favourites to be on offer. Photos available soon!
Having your hair and makeup professionally takes time. If you require more catering options to complete your stay, please see the ‘Packages‘ page. There is a gorgeous fruit, crackers and cheese option, through to treats such as custom cakes or biscuits, pure decadance!
Please allow a two week ordering time, especially with the lady who bakes and creates as she is in high demand!
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR PRINTED WORK?
Any requested prints are basic retouched
Colour correction, file resize, depending on your request, file formatting, then sending through to the printer. Once received and checked, then packaged accordingly. Roughly a two week turnaround once sent to print.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN TERMS TO 'MY LOOK' FOR COSTUME AND PHOTOGRAPHY?
From curating your look, with outfits, accessories to go, hair & makeup, professionally styled, to capturing the moments via creative photography, every detail is brought to fruition.
WHAT'S THE PROCESS TO HAIR AND MAKEUP?
Once Ana has a rough idea as to what outfits you are up for. Colour schemes, a makeup guideline is worked out. Please know, nothing is set in concrete as another outfit might catch your eye. Once styled, then your off to the glittering highway you go!
Pam from Phoenix Hair and Makeup Artistry works in collaboration with Ana to ensure you look extraordinary! Whether it be a Alice in Wonderland themed, glamorous, alternative. Pam is well versed in all styles, in both hair to makeup.
Liz is featured here at the Lair, styled by Pam with vintage flair and ready to step back in time.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO PAY FOR PRINTS?
Let’s chat and see what you require from your photo session. Both the digital and printed photos can be purchased in small batches, there is no minimum spend. Digital artistry can also take your photos to new levels.
ITINERARY CHOICES, WHAT'S CLOSE AND ALLURING TO SEE/DO?
Hawkesbury Remakery
Art gallery, sustainable and refashioned items, unique finds to events. A place to feel inspired, get lost amongst ‘all’. The staff and volunteers are wonderful too..
Location – 126 George St, Windsor
OPEN – Wednesday to Sunday – 30 minutes drive from here
The Junkyard
Treasure trove of antiques, ‘automotive and books, along with artefacts and incidentals which hold their value because of their rarity’. It’s an amazing place to be lost in time and very much in the present. An excellent place for photographs for the cool cats wanting something different.
Location – 11 Bennett Rd, Londonderry | OPEN – Weds, then Friday to Sunday | 20 – 25 minutes drive from the here
Bellsridge Cottage
Art gallery to clothing store, cool, amazing, alternative..
Location – 1286 – Bells Line Rd, Kurrajong Heights
OPEN – Thursday to Sunday | 15 minutes drive from the here
Kurrajong shops
Good selection of cafes, shops for clothing and gifts.
Location – Old Bells Line Rd, Kurrajong | 7 minutes drive from here
BITE SIZE ENTRIES
The Lair – Blog
Bite size blog entries from Ana from a fashion, art and design perspective, to her influences, creative makings and her way.
National Photographic Portrait Prize Art Handlers’ Award goes to
Kristina’s desire to capture people in their own spaces ‘surrounded by small parts of themselves’.”Michelle’s house was the most drastic example of this I’d ever witnessed”.
Mannequin a day – A distraction project when pregnant
A love of photography and styling of clothes, led to Ana’s daily obsession of planning and dressing up her mannequin ‘Magenta’, bought for a theatre project many years prior.
Style to my heart’s content, at any age
'Age of Defiance’ article from the SMH, written by Jane Rocca has highlights throughout, the strengths, passion and individuality of three women, who chose a different road to fast